2007 Trip Note

Pack Carry: 2 March 2007 - Mitchell River

Contributor: Margaret Andrew

Source: "The News, April 2007

Photogallery: Mitchell River

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Walking along the Mitchell River.

The Mitchell River National Park is not visited by the club very often, so it was with some enthusiasm that our small group of seven set off early on Saturday morning to explore this wonderful area. After investigating the Den of Nargun and examining the Mitchell River itself at close quarters, we realised that the level of mud in the water was going to prove a challenge when it came to drinking supplies. As we climbed up onto the western escarpment of the river, the weather was a tad warmer than we had bargained for, and tested most of us at some stage of the day. At Billy Goat Bend, the gorge is particularly spectacular with views of a semicircular cliff called “The Amphitheatre”. We enjoyed lunch here before shouldering our full packs and stocking up on as much fresh water as we could carry from the tank there. Our campsite by the river was a lovely spot and no time was wasted in going swimming in the muddy river which was very refreshing. A couple of hardy souls cooked their dinner in the river water and survived to tell the tale!

The next morning we hid our packs behind a log (which we later discovered to be riddled with ants!) and with our daypacks proceeded upstream to Angusvale. There is little that remains of the former settlement apart from a large open grassy clearing. We greatly appreciated the fresh water in the tank attached to the toilets and had a morning tea break pondering our good fortune. Our untiring leader, Bob Oxlade, never ceased to amaze us with what he could pull out of his pack. He now produced water purifying tablets for any who would like them. The previous day it had been fresh grapes! Retracing our steps, a close examination of the rapids at Rock Creek allowed those considering a future lilo trip on the river to assess the viability of such a venture. Back at our packs, we delighted in pouring out our remaining muddy water after lunch. It was a short 6km back to the car with a few ups and downs arriving mid-afternoon. Fish and chips in Traralgon was a fitting finale to a very enjoyable weekend.

Many thanks to Bob for the excellent leadership and planning of the trip. The group included Bob, Ian, David, John, Fiona and Del.